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The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April – at this time of year you can expect dry, sunny days and plenty of blue skies. But toasty temperatures are only part of the deal here – the Maldives set the standard for tropical beauty, with stretches of powder white sand and palm trees rolling for miles alongside bright-blue waters. With 26 natural atolls – otherwise known as coral islands – to choose from, you can spend your holiday trying out watersports, getting to know Maldivian culture, or island hopping. Or, you can chill out by the pool for a week. The choice is yours. Want to find out what to expect at different times of the year? Read on for the lowdown...
Once you’ve decided when to go, check out our deals on Maldives holidays.
There are two distinct seasons in the Maldives, with dry – or high – season taking place from December to April. The weather is driest at this time of year, and the humidity is at its lowest. The islands are popular with holidaymakers looking to catch some winter sun – temperatures average at a steady 30 degrees. The combination of the beautiful weather and distance from any large land mass means that the Maldives have some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world, particularly in the dry season. So, it’s a great time to visit if you’re keen to see sea life.
Feeling inspired? Check out Veligandu Island Resort – it has its own house reef.
Rainy season, AKA the ‘South West Monsoon’, runs from May to November. While this time of year sees fewer tourists, temperatures are still high, so the sea’s still warm enough for scuba diving. And if it does rain, you’ve got the perfect excuse to explore the islands’ spas, which offer both traditional and Maldivian therapies while making the most of the surrounding natural beauty. Think treatment rooms on stilts over lagoons or under palapas on the beach, romantic retreats on their own islands, and even the world’s first underwater spa.
For a relaxing treat, take a look at our latest luxury Maldives deals.
Spend every day relaxing in your own private bungalow over the water, sipping cocktails on the beach, or unwinding in the spa. If you prefer to mix chilling out with something a bit more adventurous, get stuck into the range of watersports on offer. The Maldives boast some of the best surfing opportunities in the world, or you can make the most of the calm, shallow waters on a paddleboard. Plus, you can board a traditional dhoni boat to spot wild dolphins in the ocean.
Looking for a watersports-packed hotel? Try ROBINSON Club Maldives.
The capital city, Malé, is tiny but brimming with culture. It’s a lot busier than the islands, and is dotted with mosques flaunting elaborate architecture as well as a national museum. There’s also a wide variety of cuisine to choose from – including Maldivian and Indian. The city’s full of restaurants, so it’s a haven for foodies.
Read more about the top dishes to taste in the Maldives.
Ready to unwind?
Browse our All Inclusive holidays to the Maldives. Then check out our article on what to do while you're there.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Lizzie Butler
The ROBINSON Club Maldives blends its trademark high-octane activities with the relaxing atmosphere of a tranquil island getaway.
The Riu Palace Maldivas will open in 2019 on an uninhabited island in the Maldives. There’ll be an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, plus it’s being built right on a white beach, with suites on stilts above the water.
You’ll find the All Inclusive ROBINSON Noonu in the Maldives, complete with water bungalows, a mint-white beach, and a restaurant raised on stilts.
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